Dr. Om Sharma: From Punjab, India to Englewood, Florida

Dr. Om Sharma:
From Punjab, India to Englewood, Florida

Om Sharma 

 

Specializing in Internal Medicine, Dr. Sharma has been a cornerstone in the Englewood community for the past 25 years. His practice is located at 1885 Englewood Road, beside Lemon Bay Plaza. He has been a vital part of the community, providing compassionate care to his patients since 1998.

Sharma began his medical schooling in India and moved the United States in 1992. After a brief stint in California, he relocated to New York where he completed his residency at Coney Island Hospital. Sharma moved to Chicago with his wife, Renee, for three and-a-half years, where he graduated from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science.

It was at that point that he received an opportunity to work in Englewood, Florida. Although he wasn’t familiar with the area, in fact he had no idea where Englewood was, the prospect of moving to a warmer climate was enough for Sharma to make the decision an easy one.

“I went from minus two degrees to sunny weather,” he said, noting that this was one of his easiest decisions he’d ever made.

Sharma joined with Dr. Karen Bassetti and Dr. Stephen Logan where the three practiced together for 18 years at the current location.

Dr. Bassetti transitioned to join Millennium more than six years ago and Dr. Logan retired. Sharma remained at the same location where he continues his practice, independently, choosing to avoid corporate medical chains in favor of maintaining his autonomy. 

“He likes to be his own boss,” said his daughter Anjali, who occasionally helps him around his office. However owning your own business does come with its own set of challenges, notes Sharma. “It’s the toughest thing to do,” he said. “They don’t teach you about business in medical school.”

Being on his own, he learned quickly and with the help of his wife, Renee, who helps him manage his office, he has been very successful. He takes pride in his work and his patients. “The reason we are busy is because we are able to provide good service, so people come back,” he said.

Sharma’s schedule is very demanding, with him seeing 18-20 patients a day. He also serves as the medical director at The Englewood Rehab on Drury Lane, where he visits patients once or twice a week. In addition to these responsibilities, Sharma contributes whenever possible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped administer vaccines at Englewood Community Care Clinic.

Sharma’s office is filled with patient profiles. He dedicates his time with each patient addressing their questions and concerns from chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, to more serious conditions such as infectious diseases. To avoid distractions and ensure accuracy, he  always uses a Dictaphone, allowing him to give his undivided attention to each person.

What he loves most about his job is the opportunity to help people who face complex medical issues. Knowing that he can make a difference in their lives brings him satisfaction. He enjoys helping people who may deal with a lot of medical and complex issues. He likes to know that he can make a difference in their lives.

While looking over a patient profile at Englewood Rehab, Sharma noted that he treated both of his own parents. This experience deepens his gratitude for the people in he meets in the community. He is humbled to know that he has touched so many lives.

“The older population in this country is really amazing. They are so appreciative and thankful,” he said.

Sharma is the proud father of three children: Sunny, 30, Anjali, 25, and Sid, 20. Sunny is currently a gastroenterology fellow in Miami, while Anjali, an undergraduate at the University of South Florida, is on her way to medical school. Sid is pursuing studies at USF.

Sharma appreciates the small-town charm, low crime rate, and peaceful atmosphere of Englewood. He said moving to Englewood was one of the best decisions he made. When he isn’t working, Sharma enjoys watching cricket and spending time with his family. His busy schedule leaves him little room for much else. 

With no plans to retire in the near future, Sharma intends to continue working as long as his health allows.